Apply for Admission & Registration

Get to Where You Want to Go!

Every day, we help people like you achieve their goals, whether that is earning a degree, preparing for a new career, or gaining skills to improve their jobs and their lives. All you need to become a student at NECC is a high school diploma or GED/HiSET – there is no application fee and no SAT scores are needed. Follow the steps below to apply for admission & registration and start on your path to a better future! If you still need your GED/HiSET, click here to learn more about our High School Equivalency program.

Apply to Northern Essex

It’s easy to apply for admission to NECC. If you are a first time student, click on the “first time student” link above to get your Admission started.

If you are one of the following types of students, click on the box that best represents you to get started.

RETURNING TO SCHOOL AFTER TIME-OUT

GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

Apply for Financial Aid

Financial aid can help you pay for the costs of attending NECC. This includes tuition and fees, books, and other expenses (room and board, transportation, and personal costs). Over 65% of our students receive Financial Aid, so apply today! MORE about applying for aid.

Read important information about Public Charge, Financial Aid, and Immigration Status

Take the Academic Placement Assessment

The Academic Placement Assessment, called ACCUPLACER, will help to accurately place you in the appropriate English, writing, and math classes to ensure your success. MORE about Accuplacer testing

Meet With an Advisor

Whether you are unsure about what you would like to study, or you want help planning your path to your dream job, we can help. We will help you develop an academic plan so you can get on, and stay on, track to achieve your goals. Drop by the Student Success Hub today. MORE about Academic Advising

How to Register

Once you have followed the steps above to apply for admission, and met with an advisor to select your classes, you can register for your classes.

In-Person

The Office of Admission has a variety of ways for prospective students and families to get in touch with us virtually. Check out an upcoming “Virtual Information Session” in which an Admission Counselor will offer a 20-minute live presentation highlighting academic programs, support services and student life opportunities at NECC.

For questions related to admission to the college, you can email or chat with us live.

We look forward to connecting with you.

Chat Live with an Admission Counselor

Chat Hours:
- Monday: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Email admissions@necc.mass.edu
Register for an upcoming Virtual Information Session

Online

Use Self-Service Online. Most students who have earned 12 credits or more and have a Cumulative GPA of 2.0 may register for classes using Self-Service EXCEPT students in the following programs:

Education (Elementary and Early Childhood)
English Courses for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
ESL programs or ESL courses
General Studies: Health Specialization
Any Human Service program
Any Deaf Studies program
All students in Allied Health Programs, regardless of credits or GPA

By Phone

Call Enrollment Services at 978-556-3700. You may be eligible to register over the phone.

If you have already registered view some important next steps in the registration checklist. MORE Registration Checklist

Temporary Change in Hours: In an effort to maximize remote work, remote teaching and learning, and remote services for students, nearly all of NECC’s operations are now being conducted online, by telephone, or through special appointments.

Admission & Registration